Supreme Court constituted Aravalli committee opens 21-day window for feedback
The development has come amid concerns about the committee’s neutrality, as it mainly comprises ex-government officers
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Context
The has constituted a high-powered committee, headed by the Director General of the , to review the Centre's definition and delineation of the Aravalli hill range. The committee, formed following a suo moto order, has opened a 21-day window for public and stakeholder feedback. This development occurs amidst concerns regarding the committee's neutrality, as critics argue its composition of predominantly ex-government officials compromises its independence from the .
UPSC Perspectives
Environmental
The delineation of the Aravalli range is critical for its conservation, as it dictates the spatial extent where environmental protections, such as the and , are applicable. The Aravallis act as a crucial barrier against the expansion of the Thar Desert into the fertile plains of northern India and are vital for groundwater recharge in the (NCR). Unregulated mining and urbanization have severely degraded this ecologically sensitive zone. The has frequently intervened to halt illegal mining, often utilizing the precautionary principle (preventative action in the face of uncertainty) and the polluter pays principle. UPSC often tests the ecological significance of the Aravallis, the impact of anthropogenic activities, and the role of the judiciary in environmental protection. The core conflict here is defining what constitutes a 'forest' or 'hill' in the Aravalli context, which directly impacts land use and mining rights.
Governance
This issue highlights the tension between developmental interests and environmental conservation, a recurring theme in environmental governance. The formation of the committee by the reflects judicial activism, where the court steps in to address perceived executive inaction or inadequate environmental safeguards. However, the criticism regarding the committee's composition raises questions about institutional neutrality and conflict of interest. Critics argue that a committee dominated by former government officials, with its head reporting directly to the , may lack the independence required for an objective assessment. This touches upon the broader debate on the efficacy of expert committees and the need for independent regulatory mechanisms. For UPSC, analyze how the composition of expert bodies affects their credibility and the challenges of integrating stakeholder feedback (local communities, environmentalists, miners) into complex policy decisions.
Geographical
The Aravalli Range is one of the oldest fold mountains in the world, stretching approximately 692 km from through and to . Understanding its geographical extent is fundamental for Prelims. The range significantly influences the climate of northwest India, affecting the monsoon winds and acting as a physical barrier to desertification. The current exercise of 'definition and delineation' is essentially a geographical classification that determines land-use policies. Changes in this definition can alter the eco-sensitive zones (areas around protected areas intended to act as shock absorbers). UPSC questions frequently focus on the physical geography of the Aravallis, its role as a climatic divide, and the geographical implications of environmental degradation in the region. The committee's task is to provide a scientifically sound and legally robust definition to guide future conservation efforts.